Martha Kellerhals-Djerf

Martha Kellerhals-Djerf is a sustainability and ethical design advocate with a passion for connecting with like-minded individuals. She has been actively involved in various organizations promoting sustainable practices and ethical design for several years.

Since 1998, Martha has been a dedicated member of the o2 Global network on Sustainable Design. She assumed the role of Chair at the o2 Global Network Foundation in 2008, showcasing her commitment to driving positive change in the design industry.

Martha also served as the Co-Chair of o2 NYC in 2002/3, demonstrating her leadership skills and ability to collaborate with others towards a common goal. Her involvement in initiatives such as the Impact Hub Bern Circular Economy Textiles Circle since April 2021 highlights her ongoing dedication to sustainable and circular fashion.

With a keen interest in promoting ethical practices in the fashion industry, Martha has been a member of organizations like UCRF (Union of Concerned Researchers in Fashion) since 2019 and Fashion Revolution Bern since 2018. She actively contributes to the fashion community, showcasing her deep-rooted values in sustainable and ethical fashion.

Martha's passion for diversity and inclusivity is evident through her involvement in projects like the Festival der Kulturen, Bern, where she is part of the organizing committee affiliated with Bern's Action Week Against Racism since 2016. Her commitment to fostering a more inclusive society through her work is commendable.

Martha's professional journey includes impactful projects such as Assignment Green, where she played a key role in organizing a survey of Eco-Design Education in New York, culminating in an exhibition and symposium at the New York Historical Society in 2003. Her contribution to sustainability initiatives through her work is noteworthy.

As a designer, Martha has a history of creating sustainable fashion collections, including designing an organic cotton collection for men, women, and infants/toddlers at EXY Enterprises in 2002/3. She also worked on the Double Income Project, designing a collection of color-grown cotton knits for a social initiative involving Switzerland, Kenya, and Peru in 1995, showcasing her commitment to ethical and sustainable design practices.

In terms of education, Martha has a diverse academic background, having studied at institutions like Concord Academy, Fashion Institute of Technology, Bates College to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, and Université Paris-Sorbonne for Cours de Civilisation Française. Her educational journey has equipped her with a well-rounded understanding of various disciplines.

Throughout her career, Martha has been involved in a range of roles that have shaped her into the accomplished individual she is today. From being a Business English Consultant to serving as a Winter Accessories Designer at INTERSPORT Group, Knitwear designer at Liz Claiborne, and Sweater designer at Lands' End, she has demonstrated versatility and expertise in the fashion industry.

Martha's experience as a Private label designer, Designer across men's, women's & kids' categories, and Ethical Designer/Consultant showcase her adaptability and proficiency in different design realms. Her diverse professional background underlines her versatility and creative prowess in the field of design.